NIAGARA,  AND 
OTHER   POEMS 


TEE  LIBRARY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 


148  ANGELES 


NIAGARA,   AND    OTHER 
POEMS 


Niagara,   and   Other 
Poems 


By 

Benjamin  Copeland 


Buffalo  and  New  York: 

The    Matthews-Northrup  Works 

i  904 


Copyright,    1904, 

By 
Benjamin    Copeland 


CONTENTS. 

NIAGARA n 

THE  MEADOW  AIR  is  SWEET 13 

WHEN  LIFE  WAS  LIKE  A  SUNNY  STREAM     ...  15 

THE  FIRST  ROBIN 18 

THE  GOAL 20 

THE  REWARD 21 

STRENGTH  AND  BEAUTY 22 

VIOLET,  ROSE,  AND  GOLDEN  ROD 23 

OCTOBER 25 

THE  WINDOW  OVER  THE  STABLE-DOOR,  ....  27 

"HAIL  TO  THE  CHIEF!  "  (PRESIDENT  MCKINLEY).  30 

CUBA  LIBRE 32 

THE  GREATER  REPUBLIC 34 

EMERSON 36 

DANIEL  WEBSTER 39 

LINCOLN 40 

AGASSIZ — EMERSON 40 

WELCOME 41 

FAME 43 

DEFEATED 44 

FIDELITY 45 

TRANSFIGURED! 46 

BETRAYED 47 

SUNSET 48 

FULFILLMENT 49 

CONTENTMENT 49 

COMPANIONSHIP 50 

ASPIRATION  AND  ATTAINMENT 51 

A  QUESTION  OR  Two 53 

OTHER  SHEEP 55 

BY  MANY  PATHS .57 

POOR  LITTLE  JOE  ! 58 

DARK,  AND  DAYS 59 

EXPERIENCE •    •  59 

A  SURE  FOUNDATION.  .                                            ,  60 


2134761 


CONTENTS— CONTINUED. 

THE  VOYAGE 60 

THE  STONECROFT 61 

PROGRESS 62 

A  BENEDICTION 62 

LOVE  AND  TRUTH 63 

BEAUTY 64 

HEART  OF  LOVE 64 

THE  CORONATION 65 

DISCIPLESHIP '65 

THE  GREATER  DEEP 66 

FAITH 66 

THE  GIFT 66 

SONSHIP 67 

REALITY 67 

INFINITY 67 

UNANSWERED 68 

SELF-SENTENCED 69 

A  ROYAI,  PRIESTHOOD 70 

INSPIRATION 70 

UNCONSCIOUS  INFLUENCE 71 

HOLD  FAST  THIS  TRUTH 71 

GLORIA  IN  EXCELSIS! 72 

A  CONTRAST 72 

CROWNED! 73 

THE  MEASURE 73 

HUMILITY 74 

ENTREATY 74 

AT  LAST! 75 

FORGIVE  Us,  LORD! 75 

ASSURANCE 76 

THE  LITTLE  ONES 77 

LITTLE  RUTH ?    .    .    •    .    .  79 

LITTLE  THEODORE 81 

WHERE  THERE  Is  No  MORE  PAIN 83 

THE  EASTER  ANSWER 85 


CONTENTS  — CONTINUED. 

COMMUNION 87 

ST.  AUGUSTINE 88 

BETHEL 90 

AN  IDYL  OF  THE  SPIRITUAL  LIFE 94 

OPPORTUNITY 95 

LET  IN  THE  LIGHT  ! 96 

THE  LAW  OF  LOVE 98 

SUPPLICATION 99 

OUR  LIFE  is  LENT too 

LENTEN  LESSONS 102 

REMEMBER  ! 103 

THE  RECKONING 104 

THE  FONT,  THE  ALTER,  AND  THE  TOMB.     .    .    .105 

THE  EVENTIDE 107 

THE  LARGER  LIFE 108 

A  PRAYER 109 

THE  MESSAGE no 

As  THOU  WILT in 

WE  WOULD  SING  THE  STORY  ! 112 

CHRISTMAS 115 

"As  HE  Is." 117 

PASSION-TIDE 118 

IN  BROTHERHOOD  WITH  ALL 119 

CODE  AND  CREED 120 

EASTER-TIDE 121 

EASTER  LILIES 123 

EASTER-TIDE  ADORATION 124 

THE  KING 125 

AN  EASTER-TIDE  LYRIC 126 

AN  EASTER  IDYL 127 

ASCENSION-TIDE 128 

HOMEWARD 130 

CHRISTUS  CONSOLATOR 131 

COMPENSATION 132 

FROM  MORNING  To  MORNING! 133 


NIAGARA. 

Majestic  symbol  of  eternal  power! 

Dread  oracle  of  eons  all  unknown  ! 
Before  thy  presence  Pomp  and  Passion  cower,  — 

All  men  are  equal  at  thy  awful  throne. 

Abashed,  the  eager  babble  of  the  mart,  — 

To  silence  shamed,  the  vulgar  greed  for  gain; 

No  more  ambition  goads  the  weary  heart, 
And  Toil  forgets  its  unrequited  pain. 

Stern  type  of  Truth's  inexorable  law! 

No  room  remains  for  envy  or  for  pride; 
Here  prince  and  pauper  stand  in  common  awe, 

Swayed  by  the  spell  of  thy  resistless  tide. 

A  rushing,  seething  Sinai,  —  thou  dost  pour 
On  sluggish  consciences  the  solemn  sense 

Of  justice  infinite:  —  thy  thunder's  roar 
Declares  to  Wrong  relentless  recompense. 


C 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

Against  our  arrogance  thy  strength  doth  plead ; 

Deep  unto  deep  imperiously  calls; 
Impartial  annalist!  the  nations  read 

Their  transient  glory  on  thy  ageless  walls. 

Yet    dost    thou    deign    to    dower    the    moment's 

need, — 

Our  dreams  exceeding  by  thy  bounteous  sway; 
With  power  unrivaled  thy  proud  flood  shall  speed 
The    New   World's   progress   toward   Time's 
perfect  day. 

O  mighty  monitor!    O  seer  sublime! 

The    soul's    surpassing    grandeur    thou    dost 

show ; — 
The  fountains  of  thy  immemorial  prime 

Through  man's  immortal  being  freely  flow. 


[    12] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


THE    MEADOW    AIR    IS    SWEET. 

The  meadow  air  is  sweet; — 

The  cowslip's  cup  of  gold 
Is  full  of  fresh  and  fragrant  dew, — 

More  full  than  it  can  hold. 

The  meadow  air  is  sweet ; — 
The  blackbird's  mellow  note, 

Like  water  in  a  little  brook, 

Flows  gurgling  from  his  throat. 

The  meadow  air  is  sweet; — 

The  stream  that  cheers  the  lea 
Will  feel  the  willow's  tender  kiss, 
E'en  to  the  distant  sea. 

The  meadow  air  is  sweet; — 
Hark !  from  the  old  elm  tree : — 

Ah!  only  lovers  understand 
The  oriole's  ecstasy. 

The  meadow  air  is  sweet; — 
The  clover,  handsome-white, 

With  dainty  odors  woos  the  bee, 
And  fills  her  with  delight. 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

The  meadow  air  is  sweet; — 

The  bobolink  is  there! 
When  he  is  mute  a  faery  flute 

Seems  echoing  in  the  air. 

The  meadow  air  is  sweet; — 

The  daisy  in  the  grass 
Looks  up  to  see  the  clouds,  and  feel 

Their  shadow  as  they  pass. 

The  meadow  air  is  sweet; — 

The  swallow  flashes  by, 
Too  merry  for  a  moment's  rest 

Between  the  earth  and  sky. 

The  meadow  air  is  sweet; — 
The  day  wanes  in  the  west, 

And  twilight's  soothing  shadows  lull 
A  weary  world  to  rest. 

The  meadow  air  is  sweet ; — 

Like  altar  incense  rare, 
It  blends  the  robin's  even-song 

With  the  little  children's  prayer. 

[  14] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


WHEN  LIFE  WAS  LIKE  A  SUNNY  STREAM. 

Alas!  it  seemeth  but  a  dream, — 
My  childhood's  bright,  bright  day, 

When  life  was  like  a  sunny  stream 
Left  to  its  own  glad  way. 

How  wonderful  the  radiant  Spring, 

In  garden,  glade,  and  wood ! 
Fresh  from  God's  hand  seemed  everything, 

"And  everything  was  good!" 

Close  by  the  door,  the  apple  tree, 

From  many  a  fruitful  bough, 
Its  richest  blossoms  spread  for  me; — 

I  feel  their  fragrance  now! 

The  robin  and  the  oriole, 

(I  loved  them  both  the  same), 
Their  sweetest  songs  to  me  did  troll, — 

I  think  they  knew  my  name ! 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

A  little  brook,  from  hidden  spring, 
Ran  babbling  down  the  hill; 

It  seemed  to  me  a  living  thing, — 
I  hear  its  laughter  still! 

Ah !  ours  was  bliss  without  alloy, 
And  friendship  fondly  leal ; — 

I  brought  it  human  love  and  joy, — 
It  turned  my  water-wheel ! 

And,  tired  of  play,  what  peace  I  found, 
As  the  bright  clouds  sailed  by, 

Just  to  lie  down  upon  the  ground 
And  look  into  the  sky! 

Deep,  deep,  that  look  of  calm  delight, 
So  free  from  care  and  pain ; — 

Would  God  I  might  its  holy  height, 
Its  sweet  repose,  regain ! 

The  meadow,  and  the  old  elm  tree, 
The  woods,  the  waterfall, — 

Once  more  they  all  come  back  to  me  ; 
I  see  and  hear  them,  all. 

[  16] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

I  see  and  hear  them,  and  rejoice; 

For  forms  and  faces  dear, 
Lost  long,  long  since  to  sight  and  voice, 

Once  more  to  me  appear. 

And  hark!  a  little  child  again, — 

I  hear,  with  heart  abrim, 
That  tender,  ravishing  refrain, — 

The  redbreast's  evening  hymn ! 

So  God  be  praised  for  that  sweet  dream, 
My  childhood's  bright,  bright  day, — 

When  life  was  like  a  sunny  stream 
Left  to  its  own  glad  way. 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


THE    FIRST    ROBIN. 

Herald  of  the  happy  year, 
Robin  redbreast,  art  thou  here? 
Welcome  to  thy  destined  goal; 
Welcome,  songster  of  the  soul ! 


Age  and  Childhood  find,  in  thee, 
Kindred  bond  of  sympathy; 
Hope  and  memory  are  one, 
In  thy  song's  sweet  unison. 


Common  freehold  all  hearts  claim 
In  thy  nature's  artless  aim ; 
Best  of  priests  and  poets,  thou, 
Singing  on  the  leafless  bough. 


Mead  and  mountain,  wood  and  wold, 
Wait  the  rapture  manifold, 
Which  shall  prove  thee  saint  and  seer,- 
Dearest  minstrel  of  the  year ! 

[  18] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

Every  note  like  April  rain, — 
Thou  transmutest,  in  thy  strain, 
With  the  season's  subtle  power, 
Winter's  dearth  to  summer's  dower. 

Glows  the  mold  with  vernal  fire 
Kindled  by  thy  love's  desire ; 
Nature  wakens,  at  thy  call, 
To  her  Easter  festival. 

Mateless  messenger  divine! 
Peerless  privilege  is  thine: — 
Thou  interpretest  to  Faith 
The  deep  mystery  of  death. 


[  '9] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


THE    GOAL. 

Sweet  scents,  sweet  sounds,  sweet  scenes! 
With  all  that  intervenes 

In  sweeter  solemn  silences  profound, — 
Whereinto  overflows, 
In  forest,  river,  rose, 

Passionless  being,  beauty  without  bound. 

How  deep  the  mind's  repose ! 
The  vagrant  sea-breeze  blows 

With    kindred    pulses    through    the    fragrant 

shade ; 

And  sod  and  soul  are  blent 
In  blest  enfranchisement, — 

Prefiguring  the  end  for  all  things  made. 

For  life  and  love,  supreme 
Beyond  the  poet's  dream, 

Shall  bear  all  being  to  its  blissful  goal ; 
The  wondrous  word  is  true — 
"Lo !    I  make  all  things  new ;" 

The  universe  is  ransomed  with  the  soul ! 

[20] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


THE  REWARD. 

From  green  to  gold 
The  year  grows  old, 

With  beautiful  increase; 
The  seasons  wane 
To  ripened  grain 

And  Nature's  deepest  peace. 

The  same  sure  plan 
Is  thine,  O  man ! 

Alike  for  sod  and  soul, 
The  law  of  love, — 
Enthroned  above — 

That  guides  thee  to  thy  goal. 

Have  faith  in  God : — 
Who  gives  the  clod 

Its  meed  of  fruit  or  flower, 
Shall  crown  thy  cares, 
Thy  tears,  thy  prayers, 

With  an  immortal  dower. 


[21    ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


STRENGTH    AND    BEAUTY. 

The  Useful'and  the  Beautiful, 

Indissolubly  blent, 
One  law  reveal,  one  Will  and  weal, 

In  sod  and  firmament. 

The  earth  below,  the  sky  above, 

With  flowers  and  stars  are  sprent; — 

The  child  to  cheer,  the  saint,  the  seer, 
Their  love  and  light  are  lent. 

For  Strength  and  Beauty  equal  are, 

In  Nature's  kind  intent, — 
The  hawthorn  hedge,  and  granite  ledge 

That  binds  the  continent. 

Were  wish  and  will  more  dutiful, 

And  life  more  nobly  spent, 
Would  we  not  know,  with  souls  aglow, 

What  such  high  vision  meant? 

Ah,  yes!  our  lowliest  tasks  would  then 
In  heaven's  own  glory  shine, 

And  time  be  told  on  harps  of  gold, 
In  dream  and  deed  divine. 

[   22] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


VIOLET,    ROSE,    AND    GOLDEN-ROD. 

Violet,  rose,  and  golden-rod! 
Blossoms  of  the  self-same  sod, 
Springing  from  the  breathing  mold 
Into  beauty  manifold. 


Each  its  season  knoweth  well, 
Without  sign  or  syllable, — 
Faithful  to  the  law  benign 
Potent  over  palm  and  pine. 


Excellent  in  their  degree, 
Rivals  they  can  never  be ; 
Fashioned  with  divinest  grace, 
Each  is  perfect  in  its  place. 


Dear  to  Childhood  and  to  Age, 
Each  hath  ample  heritage 
In  these  human  hearts  of  ours, 
Kindred  with  the  leaves  and  flowers. 

[  23  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

Children  of  the  shower  and  sun, 
Soon,  like  theirs,  our  day  is  done;- 
We  are  fading  e'en  as  they, — 
We  with  them  must  pass  away. 

But  the  flowers  shall  bloom  again ; 
Ends,  at  last,  the  winter's  reign ; — 
Life  is  larger  than  a  breath, — 
Love  is  master  over  death ! 

Precious,  in  the  sight  of  God, 
Violet,  rose,  and  golden-rod; — 
Dearer  far  to  Heaven  are  we, 
Children  of  eternity! 


[  24] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


OCTOBER. 

Crimson-and-gold,  October's  boughs  proclaim 
The  approaching  Passion  of  the  waning  year  ; 

By  sacramental  signs,  for  aye  the  same, 
Pathetic  portents  show  the  end  is  near. 

The  landscape  lessens  in  the  shimmering  haze; 

The  songless  silence  chants  the  season's  grief ; — 
Too  soon  shall  follow,  with  the  darkening  days, 

The  fading  field-flower  and  the  falling  leaf. 

No  more  allures  the  lovely  glade  or  glen; 

A  nameless  sorrow  haunts  the  lonely  shore ; 
The  frosts  have  fallen  on  the  hearts  of  men ; 

The  little  children  seek  the  woods  no  more. 

For  Nature  holds  us  surely  as  her  own, 
In  sleet  and  snow,  or  under  skies  of  blue  ; 

From    birth    to    death   we   share   her   mirth    or 

moan, — 
Forever  to  our  faithful  mother  true. 

[  25  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

Yet,  in  our  loneliest  hours,  alike  we  feel 

The    comfort    Heaven    to    wood    and    wold 
supplies, — 

A  hope  that  doth  the  season's  sadness  heal 
And  binds  us  closer  still,  in  tenderest  ties. 

A  kindred  impulse  stirs  our  common  dust 

To  look  beyond  the  winter's  dearth  and  dole, 

And  find  in  God,  our  Life,  our    Strength,  our 

Trust, 
The  everlasting  summer  of  the  soul. 


[26] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

THE  WINDOW  OVER  THE  STABLE-DOOR. 
An  Idyl  of  the  Common  Life. 

From  the  window  over  the  stable-door, 
Hark!  how  the  notes  of  gladness  pour! 
Like  playful  brook,  their  free,  clear  flow, — 
But  why  such  joy  I  do  not  know; 
For  'tis  the  coachman's  humble  cot; — 
The  horses  share  his  lowly  lot: — 
The  same  roof  shelters  beast  and  man ; — 
So  prudently  doth  Dives  plan! 

Who  here  would  look  to  see  enshrin'd 

A  happy  heart,  a  peaceful  mind  ? 

The  fact  exceeds  my  fancy's  range, — 

Yet  'tis  as  true  as  it  is  strange ; — 

For  hark!  how  the  notes  of  gladness  pour 

Through  the  window  over  the  stable-door ! 

In  such  secluded  spot,  I  fear 

'T  were  sacrilege  to  venture  near; — 

Half  guiltily  I  close  the  book, 

And  turn,  unseen,  an  eager  look 

To  the  window  over  the  stable-door, 

Whence  still  those  notes  of  gladness  pour. 

[  27  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

Ah!  now  the  meaning  plain  I  see 
Of  that  sweet-throated  mystery; — 
For,  rocking  softly  to  and  fro, 
With  fair,  fine  forehead  bending  low, 
A  mother  lulls  to  slumber  blest 
Her  first-born  babe  upon  her  breast. 
A  lovelier  sight,  through  leafy  screen, 
By  faun  or  fairy  ne'er  was  seen  ; 
And  never  more  melodious  word 
The  sylvan  silence  ever  stirred. 

Not  hers  to  see  the  grace  she  wears, — 
Nor  hers  to  dream  the  peace  she  bears, 
By  such  a  blessed  minstrelsy, 
Into  the  world's  wide  misery; — 
But  all  unconsciously  each  thought 
Is  into  melting  music  wrought. 
She  does  not  hear  the  song  she  sings, — 
Nor  can  she  know  the  bliss  it  brings, 
Far,  far  beyond  her  babe,  to  me, — 
A  life's  space  from  a  mother's  knee ! 
It  tells  me  of  a  heart  at  rest, 
A  quiet  mind,  contented,  blest, — 
A  little  paradise,  shut  in 
From  envy,  vanity,  and  sin. 

[28] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

She  meekly  shares  her  husband's  lot, 

And  sanctifies  this  humble  spot 

With  trustful,  sweet  simplicity, 

In  all  her  girlhood's  purity, — 

With  word  and  look  from  murmuring  free, 

And  love's  unmeasured  ministry. 

Hark!  how  the  notes  of  gladness  pour 
From  the  window  over  the  stable  door! 

And  now  as  soft  as  vesper  bells, 

The  soul's  deep  song  more  faintly  swells. 

Is  it  because,  the  while  she  sings, 

Like  Mary,  pondering  "these  things," 

She  thinks  of  angels  far  away, 

And  Him  who  in  a  manger  lay? — 

The  Blessed  Babe  the  Virgin  press'd 

Adoringly  to  her  pure  breast  ? 

The  Holy  Child,  forever  dear, — 

The  Son  of  God,  forever  near, — 

The  loving  Christ,  whose  kingdom,  sure, 

Is  in  the  bosoms  of  the  poor; — 

Who  passed  from  out  the  stable-door 

All  souls  to  serve,  on  sea  or  shore, 

And  rule  all  worlds  forevermore. 

[  29] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

"HAIL   TO    THE    CHIEF!" 
(William  McKinley.) 

Niagara-like  the  welcome  which  awaits 
The  Nation's  Chief,  approaching  now  our  gates ; 
From  depths  sincere  the  People's  joy  shall  pour 
Like  many  waters  thundering  on  the  shore, 
As  to  her  heart  her  honored  Guest  she  takes, — 
The  Town  we  love, — the  Empress  of  the  Lakes ! 
Nor  ours  alone  the  President  to  greet ; — 
The  North,  the  South,  the  East,  the  West,  here  meet,- 
Each  Commonwealth  contributing  its  share 
Of  honor  due,  beneath  one  banner  fair: — 
Brothers  forevermore,  from  sea  to  sea, — 
One  country  dear,  one  hope,  one  destiny ! 
Nor  even  here  shall  the  wide  welcome  end ; — 
Beyond  our  bounds  its  ardour  shall  extend ; 
For  neighboring  Nations,  each  American, 
Admire  with  us  the  President,  the  man ! 
And,  sharing  with  delight  the  common  feast, 
Shall  feel  anew  their  noblest  aims  increased. 

City  of  Light!  Crown-jewel  of  our  fame! 

Throw  wide  your  gates  to  him  of  blameless  name ; — 

[30] 


NIAGARA,    AXD    OTHER    POEMS. 

With  peerless  pageant  swell  the  rising  tide 

Of  grateful  joy  and  patriotic  pride. 

Rehearse  the  thrilling  history  once  more: — 

Manila's  bay  and  Santiago's  shore ! 

Let  glowing  dome  and  pennoned  turret  tell, 

To  God's  sole  praise,  the  matchless  miracle. 

Nor  fail  to  voice  the  Present's  mighty  plan, 

And  justify  the  name  American ! 

Saxon,  or  Latin-born, — we're  all  one  blood : — 

The  Exposition  stands  for  brotherhood. 

So  may  the  morrow  dawn, — so  pass  away, 
In  cheer  prophetic  of  our  widening  sway; — 
And  when  the  evening's  deepening  shadows  fall, 
And  heaven's  sweet  silence  broodeth  over  all, 
May  the  blest  memories  of  the  day  be  blent 
In  that  fair  Vision  in  mid-firmament, 
The  Tower  of  Light !   Niagara's  flood  in  flame ! 
The  radiant  symbol  of  our  Future's  fame : — 
Pledge  of  an  age  whose  light  shall  never  cease, — 
The  boundless  empire  of  the  Prince  of  Peace! 


The  above  lines  were  written  September  j,  1901,  and  printed  the 
following  afternoon  in  the  Buffalo  Commercial,  an  hour  or  two  before 
President  McKinley's  arrival  in  the  city  the  evening  before  "  Presi- 
dent'! Day  "  at  the  Pan-American  Exposition.  B.  C. 

[31    ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


CUBA  LIBRE. 
(Tune:  Maryland,  My  Maryland.) 

The  work  is  wrought ;  the  cannon's  roar 

On  sea  or  land  is  heard  no  more ; 
The  battle's  rage  and  tumult  cease 

In  songs  of  victory  and  peace. 
The  Heaven-appointed  task  is  done ; 

The  cause  for  which  we  fought  is  won  ; 
And  Cuba  Libre,  fairest  gem, 

Is  set  in  Freedom's  diadem ! 


Havana's  waters,  blue  and  broad, 

Reflect  the  righteousness  of  God ; 
And  Santiago's  wreck-strewn  shore 

Resounds  His  praise  for  evermore. 
The  islands  of  the  sea  rejoice; 

The  floods  lift  up  their  mighty  voice; 
From  shore  to  shore  the  anthems  rise, — 

A  nation's  grateful  sacrifice. 

[  32] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

Long  as  the  stars  shall  shine  o'erhead, 

In  deathless  fame  shall  live  the  dead ; 
Their  country's  glory  and  renown 

Their  fadeless,  everlasting  crown. 
The  morning  breaks !  the  shadows  flee ! 

Christ's  kingdom  comes  on  land  and  sea : — 
The  rule  of  love,  the  reign  of  good, — 

The  whole  round  world  one  brotherhood ! 


[  33  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

THE  GREATER  REPUBLIC. 

Our  destiny  was  cast  in  an  imperial  mold, — 
Our  mission  drawn  on  an  immenser  plan 

Than  marked,  in  deathless  lines,  our  sires'  high 

faith  of  old, — 
Earth's  broadest-visioned  prophecy  of  man. 

From  ancient  feuds  removed,  and  favoring  seas 

between, 

In  isolation  enviable,  supreme, 
We     dwelt     apart     content, — self-center'd     and 

serene, — 
The  Old  World's  wonder  and  the  Ages'  dream. 

When  suddenly  a  cry  from  out  the  surging  deep 

We  fondly  deemed  the  guardian  of  our  peace: — 
A  wail  of  anguish  sore  from  breaking  hearts  that 

weep 

Sweet   Freedom's  doom   and   savage  Wrong's 
release. 

Deep  calling  unto  deep!  the  Island's  bitter  cry 
Awakes  the  Continent  to  sleep  no  more: — 

Heart  ever  answers  heart: — America's  reply 
Is  Santiago's  world-resounding  shore. 

[34] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

Nor  here,  alone,   the  Hand  mysterious  and   di- 
vine ; — 

Manila's  equal  miracle  foreshowed 
The  Providential  path,  with  yet  unsealed  sign, 

Where  first  our  arms  to  scathless  triumph  rode. 

True  to  the  unsought  task  we  could  not  compre- 
hend,— 

By  foes  maligned,  by  friends  misunderstood, 
This   faith   sustained    us   still,    to   the   appointed 

end : — 

Heaven  serves  the  Sword  unsheath'd  for  human 
good. 

Clear,  now,  the  purpose  of  the  Highest, — plain 

His  plan: — 

To  mould  the  Nation  after  His  own  mind, 
And  give,  in  common  emprise  with  the  Son  of 

Man, 
The  moral  leadership  of  all  mankind. 


[35] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


EMERSON. 

Bard  of  the  soaring  soul, 

Of  thought  sublime,  serene, — 

Lord  of  the  Pleiades 

And  all  the  stars  between ! 

And  further  still  thy  sway : — 
Thy  realm,  that  vaster  deep 

Where  galaxies  unseen 

Their  radiant  courses  keep. 

With  measure  masterful 
Thou  raisest  our  desire, 

Till  to  thy  boldest  flight 
Our  eager  souls  aspire. 

But  not  alone  thy  thought 
In  star-sprent  spaces  strown ; 

Thy  largess  manifold 

Hath  nearer  harvests  sown. 

Ah !  yes ; — a  richer  crop 
We  gather,  in  thy  song, 

Than  ever  homeward  brought 
The  Wain  with  "oxen  strong." 

[  36] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

The  SNOW  STORM,  and  WOOD  NOTES, 
FORERUNNERS,  and  MAY-DAYS, 

To  the  dear  earth  belong, 
And  grace  our  lowliest  ways. 

CONCORD,  and  BOSTON  "HYMN,"- 

They  stir  our  pulses  still, 
And  hold,  for  Freedom's  need, 

The  patriot  heart  and  will. 

THE  PROBLEM,  —  EACH  and  ALL, 

Thy  kind  theology! 
And  like  the  Lord  Christ's  heart, 

Thy  sweet  APOLOGY. 

THE  DIRGE,  —  the  THRENODY, 
Our  tenderest  tears  unseal  ;  — 

We  know  their  loneliness, 
And  all  their  sorrow  feel. 

To  Virtue's  holiest  heights 

Leads,  still,  thy  dauntless  strain, 

And  on  our  follies  falls 
"Its  beautiful  disdain." 


37 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

Between  RHODORA'S  bloom 
And  MERLIN'S  mighty  rhyme, 

Our  largest  thoughts  find  room, 
O  WoRLD-SouL  seer  sublime! 

But  little  need  hast  thou 
Of  tribute  we  may  bring ; — 

Thy  fame  hath  Eastertide 
With  each  returning  Spring. 

The  centuries  shall  guard 

The  glory  of  thy  verse, 
And  worthier  song  than  ours 

Its  golden  notes  rehearse. 

Thou  buildest  thy  renown 
With  ageless  masonry : — 

MONADNOCK'S  granite  walls 
Thy  monument  shall  be ! 


[  38] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


DANIEL  WEBSTER. 

The  grandeur  of  the  mountains 
Is  in  his  deep  tones  heard ; — 

Atlantic's  mighty  fountains 
Inundate  every  word. 

Torrential  thought  and  feeling 
In  tides  of  passion  pour, — 

To  patriot  hearts  appealing, 
As  sea  to  storm-swept  shore. 

Columbia's  star-crown'd  daughters 
Own  his  majestic  will; — 

Like  voice  of  many  waters, 
His  name  is  potent  still. 

In  loftiest  communion 

With  seer  and  sage  of  yore, 

For  Liberty  and  Union 
He  pleads  for  evermore ! 


[  39  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


LINCOLN. 

Like  monarch  of  the  forest 
He  looms  out  of  the  Past : — 

Our  strength  when  need  was  sorest,- 
Our  pride  while  Time  shall  last. 

To  God,  the  gracious  Giver, 

All  praise  and  glory  be, 
While  flows  each  free-born  river 

Unfettered  to  the  sea. 


AGASSIZ— EMERSON. 

Far  different  the  task  assigned, 
Yet  were  they  one  in  loftiest  aim ; 

True  mirror,  each,  of  the  Eternal  Mind, 
They  share  a  common  fadeless  fame. 

One  Will  they  owned,  with  rapturous  awe. 
One  sway  supreme  from  man  to  Mars, — 

Chanting  the  chorus  of  the  moral  law 
With  Seraphim  and  Morning  Stars! 

[40] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


WELCOME! 

With  love  no  words  may  measure, 
Deep  as  life's  hidden  wells, — 

With  sweetest,  purest  pleasure, 
Chautauqua's  bosom  swells. 

A  memory  true  and  tender, 

At  which  the  warm  tears  start,  — 

Her  Founder  and  Defender — 
His  home  is  in  her  heart! 

O  gratefully  she  meets  him, 
Restored  to  her  once  more ; 

And  rapturously  greets  him, 
With  welcomes  o'er  and  o'er. 

Her  joy  untold  confessing, 

(Now  be  God's  goodness  prais'd!) 
As  for  a  father's  blessing, 

Her  eyes  to  his  are  raised. 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

Full  well  she  knows  attend  her 
His  prayers  on  sea  and  shore — 

His  spotless  fame  her  splendor, 
Her  pride  for  evermore! 

St.  Vincent,  we  would  name  him, 
Ere  yet  his  crown  is  won, — 

Before  the  skies  shall  claim  him 

For  Christ's  dear  word,  "Well  done!" 

Chautauqua,  1902. 


r  42 1 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


FAME. 

In  empty  rumor  sown  to  woful  ruth, 

How  many  reputations  pass  like  chaff, 

Before  Time's  judgment  winnowing  for  Truth 

Immortal  morrow  and  eternal  youth. 

Recalled  for  mirth, — remembered  with  a  laugh ! 

Poor   fames!    that   flower   and    wither   with   the 

grass,— 

Once  fondly  deemed  more  durable  than  brass. 
Heed  well  the  clarion  sounding  through  the  sky, 
Impartial  herald  of  the  Voice  of  God ! 
Proclaiming  to  the  ages  wide  abroad 
The  mighty  names  that  were  not  born  to  die. 
Hark!    'tis    the  centuries'    roll-call,    calm    and 

clear, — 

From  thrones  of  fadeless  glory  answered,  "Here!" 
By  souls  supreme  whose  record  is  on  high. 


[  43  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


DEFEATED? 

I  raise  a  pillar,  fine  and  fair, — 

The  monument  of  my  despair; 

No  fame  of  conqueror  or  king 

E'er  won  a  nobler  offering: — 

Behold,  where  strength  and  beauty  meet 

To  celebrate  a  life's  defeat ! 

From  hearts  of  stone  to  heart  of  stone, 
The  soul  appeals,  as  to  her  own ; — 
The  stainless  granite,  stately,  strong, 
Shall  chant  my  failure's  deathless  song; 
Severe  as  Truth,  this  shaft  shall  shame 
The  poor  world's  pitiable  blame. 


[44] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


FIDELITY. 

The  sunbeam  in  the  hovel, 
And  in  the  Hall,  are  one, — 

Each  in  his  station  faithful, 
Until  his  task  is  done. 

In  soul  and  service,  brothers, 
To  one  blest  birth-right  born, 

Nor  chance  nor  change  can  sever 
The  children  of  the  Morn. 

Co-workers  in  one  purpose, 
Co-partners  of  one  plan, 

Each  bears  on  stainless  pinions, 
The  love  of  Heaven  to  man. 

If  true  to  God,  what  matters, 
Where'er  our  work  is  done  ? 

The  sunbeam  in  the  hovel, 
And  in  the  Hall,  are  one. 


[45  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

TRANSFIGURED! 
("  The  Word  was  made  flesh.") 

Garment  of  Flesh,  to  thee  was  given 
The  virgin  glow  of  sun  and  sod : — 

Dawn-woven  in  the  loom  of  Heaven, — 
The  last,  the  tenderest  touch  of  God ! 

With  human  passion  dear,  divine, 
Thou  dost  the  deathless  soul  supply  ; 

Altar  and  hearth  alike  are  thine, 
Sweet  bridal  of  the  earth  and  sky ! 

The  glory  of  Eternity 

Rests  like  a  crown  upon  thy  brow ; 
Celestial  light  o'ershadows  thee : — 

Blest  mother  of  my  Lord  art  thou ! 


[46] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


BETRAYED. 

Deceived,  deflowered,  despoiled ! 

O  drooping  lily,  late  with  light  aglow ! 
Around  thy  root  is  coiled 

The  hidden  horror  of  a  nameless  woe. 

Deceived,  defiled,  despoiled ! 

Is  there  no  healing  for  a  broken  heart  ? 
O  God !  hadst  Thou  but  foiled 

The  fatal  spell  of  the  betrayer's  art. 

Deceived,  despised,  despoiled! 

The  blight  has  fallen  on  thy  peerless  bloom; 
To  bless  thy  bridal  eager  ages  toiled ; — 

A  moment's  glamour  leaves  thee  endless  gloom. 


[47  J 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


SUNSET. 

Crimson  and  cloth-of-gold, 

His  cloud-couch,  rarely  wrought  ;- 
To  bower  so  beautiful 

No  bride  was  ever  brought. 

Save  his, — of  tender  grace, — 
Dear  Twilight,  faithful,  fair, 

On  whose  sweet  lips  he  seeks 
Surcease  of  toil  and  care. 

O  light  ineffable! 

Wonder  of  wood  and  wold ; — 
The  vision  and  the  pledge 

Of  rapture  manifold. 


t48] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


FULFILLMENT. 

Lips  to  lips  in  rapture  pressed, — 
Dearest  secret  of  the  breast 
In  a  moment  all  confessed ; — 
Love  is  best;  love  is  best! 

Worn  with  care,  by  pain  oppressed, — 
Empty  arms  and  aching  breast,  — 
Longing  for  release  and  rest; — 
Death  is  best ;  death  is  best ! 

Home  at  last !  O  welcome  blest ! 
Heart  to  heart  our  loved  ones  pressed,- 
Of  eternal  life  possessed ; — 
Heaven  is  best!  heaven  is  best! 


CONTENTMENT. 

Content  with  life's  allotted  hours, 
Or  brook  or  river, — may  mine  be 

Forever  cheered  by  its  unfailing  Source, — 
A  happy  stream  unhasting  to  the  Sea, — 

With  little  children,  birds  and  flowers, 

The  dear  companions  of  its  tranquil  course. 

L  49  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


COMPANIONSHIP. 

Lured  by  no  lower  goal  between, 

From  light  to  light  still  upward  move, 

Aspiring  to  the  heights  serene 
Of  magnanimity  and  love. 


Thou  shalt  not  take  thy  way  alone ; — 
The  Beautiful,  the  True,  the  Good, 

Shall  draw  to  thee,  undream'd,  unknown, 
Heaven's  fairest  First-Born  Brotherhood ! 


And  with  them,  steadfast  to  the  end, 
The  sons  of  God  of  like  degree, 

Earth's  noblest  souls  shall  thee  attend 
With  kingliest,  kindliest  company. 


[So] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


ASPIRATION  AND  ATTAINMENT. 

Two  natures,  ours, — two  lives 
Attest  our  heavenly  birth ; — 

In  "  the  third  heaven,"  one, — 
The  other,  on  the  earth. 


One  soars  to  realms  above, 

Where  saints  and  angels  dwell : 

The  other  strives  alone 

With  all  the  powers  of  hell. 


The  soul's  clear  vision,  one, 
And  ecstacy  untold ; 

The  other,  darkness,  doubt, 
And  sorrow  manifold. 


The  one  is  triumph,  rest ; 

The  other,  struggle,  pain : — 
A  fearful  fight,  wherein 

Both  prayers  and  tears  seem  vain. 

C5i  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

And  yet  they  are  but  one, 

Though  worlds  between  them  roll  ; 
One,  also,  their  reward 

In  God,  their  glorious  goal. 


For  duty,  in  the  dust, 

Is  equally  divine 
With  victor  wreath  and  crown 

Which  in  His  presence  shine. 


[  52] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


A  QUESTION  OR  TWO. 

If,  as  you  say,  like  dogs  we  die, 
Why,  then,  like  angels  live? 

Let  faithless  Reason  make  reply, 
And  honest  answer  give. 


What  power  shall  check  the  downward  trend 

Of  wilful  .hearts  of  men, 
If  in  eternal  nothing  end 

Their  three  score  years  and  ten  ? 


That  Virtue  is  its  own  reward — 
Think  you  sufficient  cause 

To  move  men  to  the  due  regard 
Of  Heaven's  holiest  laws? 


While  blood  is  blood,  and  gold  is  gold, 

Alas,  you  vainly  try, 
With  fine-spun  calculations  cold, 

To  lure  us  to  the  sky. 

[  53  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

Be  naught  beyond  to  hold  in  awe 

The  beast  in  every  breast, 
Then  tooth  and  claw  shall  be  our  law ; — 

Why  need  to  paint  the  rest? 


Grant  us  for  our  protection  here, 

This  boon,  Philosophy, 
If  not  the  hope,  the  wholesome  fear, 

Of  immortality. 


And,  meanwhile,  in  our  memory  keep 
That  earnest  word  of  old : — 

Whate'er  thou  sowest  thou  shalt  reap, 
In  measure  manifold. 


[  54] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


OTHER  SHEEP. 

Pagan,  Papist,  Protestant! 

What  is  that  to  thee  or  me  ? 
Make  not  Heaven's  mercy  scant 

With  thy  pampered  bigotry. 


Who  made  thee  the  judge  to  be 
Of  thy  brother's  destiny? 
Deem  not  that  thy  shibboleth 
Holds  the  keys  of  life  and  death. 


Ah,  that  secret,  sullen  sign ! 
Call  it  not  decree  divine ; 
For  a  letter,  more,  or  less, 
Measures  not  God's  tenderness. 


"Other  sheep  I  have,"  said  One 
Who  was  more  than  Mary's  son  ;- 
Eyes  as  blind  as  thine  shall  see 
His  amazing  charity. 

I  55  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

When  it  claims  the  judgment-throne, 
What  is  creed  but  craft  and  cant  ? 

God  will  surely  know  His  own : — 
Pagan,  Papist,  Protestant. 


[  56] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


BY  MANY  PATHS. 

By  many  names  the  one  true  God  is  known  ; 

By  many  shrines  man's  faith  in  Him  is  shown ; — 

Varuna,  Vishnu,  Agni,  Indra, — One! 

As  stars  confess  the  all-sustaining  sun. 

By  many  paths  true,  humble  hearts  are  brought 

At  last  to  Him  whom  they  in  darkness  sought. 


All  lands  alike  the  Father's  mercies  share  ; 
No  age  was  ever  orphaned  of  His  care ; — 
For  souls  sincere,  forever  has  sufficed 
The  boundless  merit  of  the  blessed  Christ  ; 
And  over  all  forever  shall  extend 
The  love  that  knows  no  measure  and  no  end. 


[  57  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

*  POOR  LITTLE  JOE ! 

"Poor  little  Joe!"  the  poet  said, 
When  it  was  told  him  she  was  dead ; — 
"Poor  little  Joe!"  the  warm  tears  start 
From  the  deep  fountains  of  his  heart ; — 
"Poor  little  Joe!"  he  loved  her  so. 

"Poor  little  Joe!"  he  knows  too  well 
What  darkness  on  his  darling  fell, 
When,  in  her  loneliness  and  pain, 
"Papa!"  she  called, — but  called  in  vain ; — 
"Poor  little  Joe!"  she  missed  him  so. 

"Poor  little  Joe!"  she  loved  him  so, 
And  wished  to  stay,  yet  longed  to  go ; — 
One  fond  caress,  one  sweet  "Good-night," 
Had  made  the  way  to  heaven  so  bright! 
"Poor  little  Joe!"  she  loved  him  so. 

"Poor  little  Joe!"  was  all  he  said, 
When  it  was  told  him  she  was  dead ; 
But  everywhere  the  warm  tears  start 
Responsive  to  his  breaking  heart ; — 
"Poor  little  Joe!"  we  loved  her  so. 

*  Josephine  Kipling— eldest  child  of  Rudyard  Kipling. 
[  53] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


DARK,  AND  DAYS. 

The  same  old  problems  vex  mankind  ; 

In  meager  beams  the  light  is  given ; 
Nor  may  the  race  e'er  hope  to  find 

The  rest  for  which  each  age  has  striven. 


The  same  old  problems  vex  mankind ; 

But  to  our  fears  this  faith  is  given : — 
Broods  over  all  the  Eternal  Mind, 

And  night  on  earth  is  day  in  heaven. 


EXPERIENCE. 

Slowly  is  life  revealed,  and  slowlier  still 
The  mystic  scroll  of  the  Eternal  Will ; 
But,  calming  our  impatience,  Hope  replies, — 
"  The  days  are  ignorant, — the  years  are  wise." 


[59] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


A  SURE  FOUNDATION. 

Hold  firmly,  for  thy  soul's  behoof, 
This  holy  faith,  divinely  broad  :- 

The  good  in  us  is  blessed  proof 
Of  goodness  infinite  in  God ! 


THE  VOYAGE. 

Embarked  upon  an  unknown  sea, 

And  borne  by  tide  which  ne'er  returns,- 

Awed  by  the  deepening  mystery, 

The  stoutest  heart  for  comfort  yearns. 


Fear  not; — we  are  not  left  alone; 

To  wiser  hands  the  helm  is  given ; — 
A  guidance  better  than  our  own 

Directs  our  way  from  earth  to  heaven. 


[60] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


THE  STONECROFT. 

Dauntless  in  drouth  and  dearth, 
Its  pure,  bright  bloom  is  given 

Not  by  the  damps  of  earth, 
But  by  the  dews  of  heaven. 


O  soul  shut  in  with  pain, — 
By  want  and  woe  oppressed, 

Look  up, — take  heart  again ; 
In  God's  sure  keeping  rest. 


The  bounty  of  thy  birth 

Remains,  whate'er  be  given ; 

Denied  the  damps  of  earth, 

Thine,  still,  the  dews  of  heaven ! 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


PROGRESS. 

Onward  and  upward  moves  the  world, — 
As  toward  the  sun  the  seasons  roll ; — 

Aspiring,  striving,  struggling,  still, — 
Onward  and  upward  toward  the  goal. 


Onward  and  upward  moves  the  world ! 

The  night  is  spent;  and,  clear  and  broad, 
The  dawn  predicts  the  perfect  day: — 

Onward  and  upward  still  toward  God ! 


A  BENEDICTION. 

The  Christ  of  Cana  brighten 
The  bliss  thy  heart  may  share ; — 

The  Christ  of  Calvary  lighten 
The  cross  thy  soul  must  bear. 


[62] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


LOVE  AND  TRUTH. 

Like  shy  arbutus'  bloom, 

Half  hidden,  half  revealed, 
Her  heart  for  love  makes  sweetest  room, — 

Disclosed,  and  yet  concealed. 

Ah!  it  was  ever  so, — 

Disclosed,  and  yet  concealed : 
As  to  her  eyes  her  breasts  of  snow, 

Half  hidden,  half  revealed! 

And  darkly  truth  is  known, — 

Half  hidden,  half  revealed  ; 
And  dimly,  still,  Christ's  dear  face  shown,— 

Disclosed,  and  yet  concealed. 

Will  it  be  ever  so, — 

Disclosed,  and  yet  concealed? 
All  that  we  most  desire  to  know, 

Half  hidden,  half  revealed  ? 


[63  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


BEAUTY. 

What  is  it,  but  the  point  where  meet 

The  finite  and  the  infinite? 

The  light  on  childhood's  brow  that  hovers,- 

The  all-revealing  glance  of  lovers ; 

The  troth  of  flowers  and  stars  on  high, — 

The  bridal  of  the  earth  and  sky ; 

The  sheen  of  heaven  on  soul  and  sod, — 

The  glory  and  the  grace  of  God ; — 

The  gleam  of  Sun  beyond  the  sun, — 

The  mortal  and  immortal,  one! 


HEART    OF    LOVE. 

Out  of  the  heart  of  Love  all  beauty  blows, 
Of  star-sprent  sky  or  flower-sweet  sod ; — 

One  Source  all  being  owns,  one  sure  repose,- 
The  bosom  of  the  life  of  God ! 


[64] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


THE    CORONATION. 

'Tis  not  enough  to  hold  the  faith 

To  saints  and  sages  given ; 
Truth  asks  of  thee  a  fealty 

Like  her  fair  throne  in  heaven. 

Transmute  it  into  character, — 

Translate  it  into  life; 
And  crown  thy  creed  with  golden  deed 

And  love  that  conquers  strife. 


DISCIPLESHIP. 

Be  thine  thy  Master's  portion, 
Who  found,  where  all  seemed  loss, 

His  Kinghood  in  His  serving, 
His  kingdom  in  His  cross. 


[65] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


THE    GREATER    DEEP. 

O  vast  and  variable  Sea! 

Image  alike  of  peace  and  strife,- 
Like  that  immenser  mystery 

Which  shrouds  our  little  life. 


FAITH. 

Dim  mirrors  are  our  mortal  minds, 
In  which  all  truth  is  darkly  seen ; 

Our  only  wisdom  is  to  love, 

And  leave  to  God  what  death  may  mean. 


THE   GIFT. 

Unhasting,  yet  advancing  evermore, 
The  morning  breaks,  at  last,  on  every  shore  ; 
And  through  the  gloom,  until  the  day-star  beam, 
To  us  Heaven  grants  the  vision  and  the  dream. 

[66] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


SONSHIP. 

Adapted  to  infinity, 

Our  souls,  O  God,  aspire  to  Thee  ;- 
Created  in  Thy  likeness  blest, 

In  Thee  alone  our  hearts  find  rest. 


REALITY. 

Truth  is  the  soul's  eternal  quest, — 
Reality  its  only  rest ; — 
Shadow  for  substance  ne'er  sufficed, — 
Symbol  nor  sacrament, — but  Christ ! 


INFINITY. 

To  confines  infinitely  lonely, 

Extends,  unknown,  Creation's  shoreless  sea: 
The  sun  itself  a  porch-light,  only, 

To  the  fair  palace  of  Eternity. 

[67  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 
UNANSWERED. 


Whither  away,  ye  argosies  of  Heaven, 

In  solemn  state  advancing  from  afar? 

What  mission  marshals  you?     What  chivalrous 

emprise 

Darkens  the  glory  of  the  sapphire  skies? 
Say,  was  your  empire's  ancient  quiet  riven 
With  rumor  ominous  of  distant  wrong  and  war  ? 
Or  speed  ye  forth  with  snowy  sails  unfurled, 
And  radiant  pennons  shimmering  in  the  haze, 
To   bring   with   proper   pomp,    to   his   empyreal 

throne, 

Your  monarch  with  his  bride  ?  he  loveth  her  alone, 
Dear  daughter  of   the   Sun,   the  peerless  virgin 

world, 

Long  cloistered  in  his  bosom's  brightest  rays. 
******* 

No  answer  but  a  deeper  shadow  cast, — 
And  lo !  the  splendid  mystery  is  passed. 


[68] 


NIAGARA,    AXD    OTHER    POEMS. 


SELFSENTENCED. 

Though  born  a  man,  he  lives  a  mole ; 
In  vain  for  him  the  seasons  roll ; 
Poor  earth-worm ;  in  a  world  of  light, 
Still  deeper  digging  into  night. 


Indifferent  to  life  and  law, 
He  knoweth  neither  love  nor  awe ; — 
Askance  he  eyes  the  daisied  sod, 
And  turns  a  Ghetto  face  on  God. 


With  servile  mind  and  sordid  soul, 
He  shall  not  miss  the  chosen  goal ; 
Though  all  the  path  with  gold  be  paved, 
He  cannot  from  himself  be  saved. 


[69] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


A    ROYAL    PRIESTHOOD. 

To  lift  and  lighten  the  heart  of  man, 
Was  ever  the  Poet's  lofty  plan ; — 
Confederate  with  stars  and  sun, 
His  songs  their  radiant  courses  run. 


INSPIRATION. 

Genius  is  only  common  dust, 

Unkindled  by  the  Breath  of  Heaven; — 
Except  God  be  their  light  and  life, 

Vainly  the  richest  gifts  are  given. 

Dark  as  a  row  of  silver  lamps, 
Fair,  all,  as  fancy's  fine  desire, 

And  furnished,  each,  with  rarest  oil, 
But  all  untouched  with  fire. 

For  noblest  service,  man's  first  need 

Is  inspiration  from  on  high; 
The  finite  needs  the  Infinite, 

As  flower  and  forest  need  the  sky. 

[  70] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


UNCONSCIOUS  INFLUENCE. 

Faint  not,  though  fruitless  still  the  labor  seems 
Wherewith  love  serves  the  Master  dear,  divine ; 

You  do  not  know  how  far  it  throws  its  beams, 
The  lamp  which  you  keep  burning  at  His  shrine- 


HOLD    FAST    THIS    TRUTH. 

Hold  fast  this  truth,  whoe'er  thou  art, 
And  through  all  sorrow  take  it : — 

God  did  not  make  the  human  heart 
Simply  that  He  might  break  it. 


For  not  in  vain  love  yearns  for  love ; — 
Beyond  the  grave's  dark  portal. 

In  everlasting  bliss  above, 
Awaits  the  life  immortal! 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


GLORIA   IN    EXCELSIS  ! 

The  infinitely  High 

Is  the  infinitely  Near, — 

And  the  infinitely  Holy 
Is  the  infinitely  Dear. 

A  single  ray  from  heaven — 
And  all  is  understood,— 

For  the  infinitely  Great 
Is  the  infinitely  Good. 


A  CONTRAST. 

Stone  by  stone  the  palace  grows, 
Haughtily,  mid  dust  and  din ; 

On  the  garden  wall  the  rose 
Drinks  the  quiet  sunshine  in. 

Stone  by  stone  the  prison  rears, 
Frowningly,  its  bars  of  night ; — 

Like  a  bride  with  love's  sweet  fears, 
Leans  the  lily  to  the  light. 

[  72  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


CROWNED  ! 

With  peaceful  brow,  and  eyes  beneath 
Disclosing  memories,  tender,  dear, 

And  hopes  secure  from  earthly  strife, 
She  stands — good  angels  know  how  near 

To  heaven, — crown'd  with  the  harvest-wreath 
Of  a  fair,  fruitful  life : — 

A  lovelier  diadem,  I  ween, 

On  seraph  brow  was  never  seen. 


THE    MEASURE. 

From  what  a  depth  within  the  poet's  heart, 
The  sorrow  Dante  weds  to  deathless  Art  ! 
From  what  a  height  within  the  poet's  brain, 
The  immortal  notes  of  Shakespeare's  star-bright 
strain ! 


[  73  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


HUMILITY. 

Naught  is  new  beneath  the  sun : 
Ages  since  the  deed  was  done ; — 
Ay  !  a  thousand  wrought  like  one,- 
And  a  thousand  thought  like  one. 
Greatest  souls  are  first  to  own 
None  is  wise  or  strong  alone. 


ENTREATY. 

O  Lord  of  life  and  death  ! 

To  whom  all  souls  belong, 
Let  not  the  thread  be  cut, 

While  yet  I  weave  my  song. 

Let  not  the  workman's  form 
Be  broken  ere  the  time ; —     . 

Oh  shatter  not,  with  "Dust  to  Dust," 
The  marble's  dream  sublime  ! 


[74] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


AT    LAST ! 

Faint  not  because  so  far  away 
Seems,  still,  the  world's  redemption  day; 
Though  deepest  night  the  sky  o'ercast, 
The  glorious  morn  shall  break  at  last. 

For  strife  shall  close  in  fadeless  peace, 
And  wrong  and  woe  forever  cease, — 
And  end,  in  rapturous  notes  sublime, 
The  whole  long  requiem  of  Time. 


FORGIVE    US,    LORD  ! 

Forgive  us,  Lord,  our  foolish  fears  ; 

For,  to  Thy  patient  sway, 
A  day  is  as  a  thousand  years, 

And  a  thousand  years  as  a  day. 

Thy  will,  O  God,  is  sure  alway; — 
This  faith  our  darkness  cheers : — 

Thine,  equally,  the  flying  day, 

And  the  march  of  a  thousand  years  ! 

C  75  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


ASSURANCE. 

Not  where  the  Martyrs  knelt,  but  where  we  kneel, 

Is  holy  ground  for  us  and  ours ; — 
Not  what  the  Saints  have  felt,  but  what  we  feel, 

With   strength   divine   the   fainting   soul    em- 
powers. 


Not  what  the  Apostles  held,  but  what  we  hold, 
Makes  radiant  death's  dread  mystery; — 

From  living  faith,  deep-welled,  has  onward  rolled 
The  widening  stream  of  Christian  history. 


C  76] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


THE    LITTLE    ONES. 

Heaven  bless  the  little  children  ! 

Their  lives  to  earth  are  lent 
From  some  dear  clime  serener 

Than  star-sown  firmament. 


The  sunshine  of  God's  glory, 
Their  happy  spirits  are ; — 

Each  soul,  in  His  pure  likeness, 
Refulgent  as  a  star  ! 


Their  free,  abundant  beauty, 
( Love's  largess,  manifold ) , 

They  shed  with  lavish  splendor 
On  all  that  they  behold. 


Their  joy  the  morning  brightens, — 
And  loveliest  flowers  are  fair 

With  radiance  strangely  tender, 
Which  their  sweet  rapture  share. 

[  77  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

And  holier  still  their  mission, — 
And  sweeter  still  their  charm ; 

Like  angels  they  attend  us, 

To  guard  our  hearts  from  harm. 


Their  looks,  so  kind,  confiding, 
Our  fevered  pulses  calm, — 

And  on  the  wounded  spirit 

They  pour  their  love  like  balm. 


And  ever  they  remind  us 
Of  our  dear  home  on  high, 

Beyond  all  sin  and  sorrow, — 
Eternal  in  the  sky  ! 


God  bless  the  little  children, 
Or  here,  or  there  above, 

The  sunshine  of  His  glory, 
The  sweetness  of  His  love. 


[78] 


NIAGARA,    AXD    OTHER    POEMS. 


LITTLE    RUTH. 

I  cannot  feel  that  she  is  gone 

So  far,  so  far  away ; 
Her  little  heart  close  to  my  own 

Is  beating  day  by  day. 

Ah  !  tender  are  these  human  ties ; — 
May  heaven  at  last  reveal 

Why  on  her  eyes  a  slumber  lies 
E'en  tears  cannot  unseal. 

A  look  this  darkness  would  displace 

With  a  divine  delight; 
The  soul's  rare  grace  in  her  fair  face, 

It  was  a  blessed  sight  ! 

Her  hair  a  happy  halo  wore, 
That  lit  the  hearth  and  hall ; 

Alas  !  no  more  my  study  door 
Heeds  her  confiding  call. 


[  79  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

Dear  lips  !  where  mirth  and  music  wrote 

The  lore  in  Eden  sung ; 
Seemed  every  note  from  her  sweet  throat 

By  elf  or  angel  strung. 

The  robin,  hark !    is  here  again, 
To  woo  the  wondrous  child ; 

But  all  in  vain  his  ardent  strain, — 
Death  may  not  be  beguiled. 

Sleep,  Darling,  sleep ;  we  will  not  weep, 
Nor  moan  or  murmur  make; 

But  oh  !  how  deep  the  dreamless  sleep, — 
Would  God  she  might  awake  ! 

Asleep  ?  awake  !  the  Shepherd  takes 

His  little  lamb  above; 
And  where  she  wakes  the  morning  breaks 

In  everlasting  love. 

But  I  cannot  feel  that  she  is  gone 

So  far,  so  far  away ; 
For  her  little  heart  close  to  my  own 

Keeps  beating  day  by  day. 

[80] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


LITTLE    THEODORE. 

Lay  them  in  his  little  hand ; — 

He  will   know, — and   understand. 


Darling,  shall  we  meet  again, 

In  a  world  that  knows  no  sorrow  ? 

Where  there  shall  be  no  more  pain, 
And  no  parting  comes  to-morrow  ? 


Precious  gift  !  love's  priceless  dower — 
Still  our  yearning  hearts  deplore  thee, 

Marking  many  a  lonely  hour, 

Still,  with  tears,  till  Heaven  restore  thee. 


Bright  thy  little  life's  brief  day, 
With  the  rose  and  lily  number'd ; — 

Waken,  darling;  rise  and  play; — 

Those  sweet  eyes  too  long  have  slumber'd. 


[81  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

Falling  flower  and  fading  spray, 
Tenderly  thy  kind  look  noted ; — 

Did  they  beckon  thee  away, 

Dear,  dear  child,  to  death  devoted  ? 


Flowers  will  bloom  where  snow-flakes  fall ; 

Birds  return ; — but  thou,  oh,  never  ! 
Comes  no  answer  to  my  call ; — 

Have  I  lost  thee,  Love,  forever  ? 


Hush,  my  heart, — it  cannot  be ; — 
Lo  !  beyond  the  grave's  dark  portal, 

Where  thy  dearest  wait  for  thee, 

Breaks  the  morning,  blest,  immortal  ! 


Darling  we  shall  meet  again, 

In  the  home  that  knows  no  sorrow, — 
Where  there  shall  be  no  more  pain, 

And  no  parting  comes  to-morrow. 


[82] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


WHERE   THERE   IS    NO    MORE    PAIN. 

The  sharpest  pang,  the  tenderest  tear, 

Not  yet  are  known  to  thee, 
Unless  thy  heart  has  learned  how  dear 

A  little  grave  can  be. 

A  little  grave — but  oh,  how  wide 

The  room  it  left  for  grief  ! 
A  grief  which,  like  the  ebbing  tide, 

Returns  without  relief. 

Dear  child !  by  death  made  doubly  dear, — 

God  grant  it  may  not  be 
That  thou  in  heaven  should'st  ever  hear 

How  much  we  mourn  for  thee. 

One  after  one  the  seasons  wane,  — 

Our  loss,  it  grows  not  less; 
Time's  balm  is  vain  to  heal  the  pain 

Of  such  a  loneliness. 


[83] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

O  little  grave,  that  darkened  so 

The  path  by  Sorrow  trod, 
Sometimes  the  sunset's  golden  glow 

Rests  on  thy  daisied  sod ; — 

And  then  we  feel  that  God  is  good, 

And  we  take  heart  again, — 
Assured  'twill  all  be  understood 

Where  there  is  no  more  pain. 

Where  there  is  no  more  pain — 'tis  there, 

'Tis  there  we  long  to  be  ! 
O  Thou,  who  didst  our  sorrows  bear, 

Bring  us  to  dwell  with  Thee. 

Where  there  is  no  more  pain — how  blest 
Love's  kingdom,  fadeless,  fair  ! 

That  blissful  rest  naught  shall  molest, — 
Death  cannot  enter  there. 


[84] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


THE    EASTER   ANSWER. 

There  is  no  light  in  sun  or  star, 
Nor  any  voice  in  wind  or  wave, 

To  tell  us  where  our  loved  ones  are, 
And  cheer  our  journey  to  the  grave. 

The  wedding  garment  and  the  shroud, 
From  the  same  texture,  Nature  weaves ;  - 

Alike  to  her  are  sky  and  cloud : 

She  neither  joys  with  us  nor  grieves. 

Indifferent  to  life  and  death, 

She  heedeth  not  our  hopes  or  fears ; 

Our  days  seem  bounded  by  a  breath ; — 
Why  should  she  note  our  smiles  or  tears. 

From  depths  of  sorrow  manifold 

We  call,  and,  weeping,  wait  reply; — 

No  answer  comes  from  wood  or  wold, 
And  silent  are  the  sea  and  sky. 


[85  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

O  pitying  Christ,  to  Thee  we  turn, 

In  loneliest  grief  uncomforted ; 
For  Thee  and  Thy  sure  love  we  yearn, 

Light  of  the  living  and  the  dead  ! 

Thou  healest,  Lord,  the  heart's  sore  strife ; — 
With  Thee,  with  Thee  our  dearest  dwell — 

Crowned,  in  Thy  grace,  O  Prince  of  life, 
With  peace  and  joy  ineffable. 

And  ours,  at  last,  the  home  above  ! 

We,  too,  from  sin  and  sorrow  free, 
Shall  share  that  life  of  cloudless  love 

For  evermore  with  them  and  Thee. 


[86] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


COMMUNION. 

Some  meet  memorial  I  would  raise, 
O  gracious  God,  to  Thy  kind  care: — 

A  fane  for  silent,  unshared  praise, 
A  shrine  for  solitary  prayer. 


An  altar  in  the  wilderness, 

Known  only  to  the  stars  above, — 

Whose  grateful  incense  shall  confess 
The  comfort  of  Thy  sheltering  love- 


Such  monument  my  heart  would  rear, 
O  blessed  God,  my  God!  to  Thee; 

Thy  presence  ever  proving  near, 
My  Strength,  my  Song,  eternally! 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


ST.   AUGUSTINE. 

0  Thou  my  inmost  life,  my  God  ! 
How  blind  the  soul  can  be  ! 

Thou  wert  within,  and  I  abroad, 
And  there  I  searched  for  Thee. 

A  stranger  to  my  own  poor  heart, 
A  stranger,  Lord,  to  Thee, 

1  sought  Thee,  from  Thyself  apart, 

Throughout  immensity. 

In  vain  the  weary,  painful  quest, — 

Still  further  did  I  stray 
From  Thee,  my  being's  only  rest, — 

Thyself  the  Truth,  the  Way. 

I  found  Thee  not,  O  sovereign  Good  ! 

Though  seeking  Thee  alone  ; 
I  found  Thee  not, — nor  understood 

Thy  grace,  Thy  love  unknown. 


[88] 


NIAGARA,    AXD    OTHER     POEMS. 

For  Thou  hast  chosen,  in  Thy  grace, 

As  all  who  seek  Thee  find, 
To  make  Thy  dearest  dwelling-place 

The  lowly,  loving  mind. 

Close  to  the  fountain  of  our  tears 
Dost  Thou  set  up  Thy  rest  ; 

And  nearer  than  our  doubts  and  fears 
Art  Thou,  the  Heavenly  Guest. 

O  child  of  sorrow  and  of  pain  ! 

Know  this,  where'er  thou  art, — 
Thy  long  and  lonely  quest  is  vain  ;— 

Return  into  thy  heart. 

The  Blessed  Presence  is  enshrined 
Deep,  deep  within  the  breast ; — 

Who  seeks  Thee  there,  O  God,  shall  find 
The  soul's  abiding  rest. 


[89] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


BETHEL. 

Not  on  couch  of  ivory, 
Cushioned,  curtained,  daintily, — 
But  upon  the  flinty  ground, 
The  dread  wilderness  around, 
Jacob  sleeps,  afar,  alone, — 
And  his  pillow  is  a  stone  ! 
Ah  !  poor  friendless  fugitive, 
What  can  now  thy  birth-right  give  ? 


Pitiless  the  stars  look  down, 

Like  his  brother's  haunting  frown ; — 

In  his  heart  are  many  fears, — 

In  his  eyes  are  bitter  tears; 

Even  in  his  sleep  he  groans; 

Even  as  he  sleeps  he  moans, 

"  God  be  merciful  to  me  ! 

Pity,  Lord,  my  misery." 


[90] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

Rest  thee,  pilgrim ;  not  in  vain 
Thy  repentance  and  thy  pain. 
Wonderful  the  grace  divine  ! 
Thine  the  covenant, — still  thine, 
Sealed  to  Abraham  of  old, — 
Bearing  blessing  manifold 
Unto  ages  yet  unborn, 
Through  thee,  desolate,  forlorn. 


Ay!  e'en  now  to  him  is  given 
Token  of  the  love  of  Heaven  ; 
For  behold !  about  him  stand 
Ministers  of  God's  right  hand: 
Angels  excellent  in  might, 
Radiant  in  robes  of  light; — 
And,  before  his  ravished  eyes, 
Lo,  the  ladder  to  the  skies! 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

Oh,  that  blessed,  wondrous  sight ! 
Making  all  the  midnight  bright, — 
Bringing  hope  and  healing  in, 
To  the  spirit  stained  with  sin,  — 
Driving  grief  and  gloom  away, 
With  the  breaking  of  the  day,  — 
Wakening  every  tender  chord 
With  the  glory  of  the  Lord ! 


Passed  the  Vision; — it  is  dawn; 
Shining  sons  of  light  are  gone ; — 
Wakes  the  servant  of  the  Lord, 
Wondering,  at  His  gracious  word  ;— 
From  his  lips  in  language  meet, 
Faith's  confession,  grateful,  sweet : — 
"  Surely  God  was  in  this  place, 
And  upon  me  shone  His  face!" 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

So,  upon  the  holy  ground 
Where  the  gate  of  heaven  he  found, 
Buildeth  he  with  pious  care, 
Joining  praise  with  humble  prayer, 
From  the  stones  of  that  blest  place, 
A  memorial  to  God's  grace: — 
"  Bethel,  Lord,  its  name  shall  be, — 
Covenant  'twixt  Thee  and  me.'' 

Glory  to  Thy  holy  Name, — 
Thou,  O  Lord,  art  still  the  same! 
Angel-guides  our  way  attend  ; 
Angel-guards  our  souls  defend ; — 
We,  too,  know  the  blessed  ground 
Where  the  shining  gate  was  found : — 
Trysting-place  of  earth  and  heaven, — 
Let  the  same  sweet  name  be  given : — 
Bethel,  through  the  ages  past, — 
Bethel  still,  while  time  shall  last : 
Bethel,  then,  its  dear  name  be, — 
Bethel,  through  eternity! 


[93] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


AN   IDYL    OF   THE   SPIRITUAL   LIFE. 

Silently,  to  lowly  minds, 

God  communicates  His  grace, 

And  the  wondering  spirit  finds 
The  dear  favor  of  His  face. 

Secretly  the  Voice  divine 

Whispers  low  to  each,  apart ; 

Suddenly,  without  a  sign, 

Glows  His  presence  in  the  heart. 

Like  the  light  of  evening  star, 

Reigns  the  peace  that  heals  all  strife ; 

Passionless  as  lilies  are, 

Love  enthrones  the  heavenly  life. 

Silently  the  morning  breaks, 
And  the  shadows  flee  away ; 

So,  in  death,  the  soul  awakes 
To  the  light  of  endless  day ! 


[94] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


OPPORTUNITY. 

Before  this  truth  be  bared  each  brow, — 
The  infinite  is  here  and  now! 

As  sacred  as  the  stars,  the  sod, — 
As  near  to  Heaven,  as  close  to  God 

Call  nothing  common  or  unclean, — 
Nor  deem  thou  any  service  mean  ; 

Forevermore  this  faith  be  thine, — 
All  days,  all  duties,  are  divine. 

E'en  now,  at  thy  reluctant  feet, 

The  seed-time  and  the  harvest  meet; 

"  The  morrow  in  the  moment  lies:" 
Heed  well  the  Voice ;  awake !  arise ! 

He,  only  he,  is  free  indeed, 

Who  in  his  heart  holds  fast  this  creed, 
(A  fadeless  wreath  for  every  brow), 

The  infinite  is  here  and  now! 


[95  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


LET    IN    THE    LIGHT  ! 

Let  in  the  light! 
The  sky  is  bright, 

The  air  is  flowing  free; 
The  mountains  glow, — 
The  vale,  below, 

Is  holding  jubilee. 

Let  in  the  light ! 
Sad  oversight 

To  miss  so  sweet  a  morn  ;- 
The  vision  flies ; 
Awake !  arise ! 

Each  dawn  is  life  reborn. 

Let  in  the  light! 
O,  read  aright 

The  day's  Apocalypse  ; 
Its  hours  enfold 
The  age  of  gold, 

And  all  thy  dreams  eclipse. 


[96] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

Let  in  the  light ! 
'Twill  soon  be  night  ;— 

Prize  every  moment  given ; 
With  all  thy  might 
Serve  thou  the  right, 

And  leave  the  rest  to  Heaven. 


[97  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


THE   LAW   OF   LOVE. 

O,  the  sky  is  blue  above  me, 

And  the  earth  beneath  is  green, 
And  softly  bright  the  flowing  light 

Floods  the  boundless  space  between. 

But  what  if  the  day  should  darken, 

And  death's  dread  shadows  fall? 
I  need  not  fear;  with  heaven  so  near, 

Why  should  the  night  appall? 

'Tis  but  the  peaceful  portal 

Unto  a  morn  immortal ; 

For  the  light  that  once  gladdened  the  garden's 

deep  gloom, 
At  last  shall  transfigure  all  blight  into  bloom. 

For  over  and  under  the  soul's  sore  strife 

Is  the  blessed  law  of  an  endless  life  ; 

From  the  sod  to  the  stars,  and  the  stars  to  the  sod, 

Sways  the  everlasting  love  of  God. 


[98] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


SUPPLICATION. 

A  cup  of  pleasure  passing  sweet, 

Sometimes,  this  life  of  hopes  and  fears,- 

But  oft,  a  fountain  full  of  grief, 
O'erflowing  still  with  lonely  tears. 

When  brightest  skies  above  us  bend, 

Dark  o'er  our  heads  the  tempest  lowers  ;- 

At  best,  a  sombre  happiness, 
A  partial  light,  at  best,  is  ours. 

What  waits  beyond, — of  good  or  ill, 
We  vainly  struggle  to  discern ; — 

Poor,  sinful,  blind,  and  comfortless, 
O  pitying  Christ!  to  Thee  we  turn. 

Our  only  help  and  refuge,  Thou ; — 
Give  joy  for  sorrow,  peace  for  strife  ; 

We  bring  our  burdened  hearts  to  Thee, 
O  Love  divine!   our  Light,  our  Life, 


[99  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


OUR   LIFE   IS   LENT. 

Our  life  is  Lent: — 
Our  years  are  spent 

In  penance  for  the  past ; 
Our  songs  are  sighs; 
Our  brightest  skies 

With  clouds  are  overcast. 

Our  life  is  Lent: — 
The  old  lament — 

"  All,  all  is  vanity;  " 
And  Youth,  in  tears, 
Awaits  with  fears 

The  morrow's  mystery. 

Our  life  is  Lent : — 
Lord,  we  repent 

Each  folly,  fault,  and  fall ; 
Our  best  resolve 
Do  thou  absolve, — 

Forgive,  forget  it  all. 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

Our  life  is  Lent: — 
Our  hearts  are  rent, 

As  we  Thy  gifts  recount, 
And  mark  again, 
With  bitter  pain, 

"  The  pattern  in  the  mount." 

Our  life  is  Lent : — 
Our  strength  is  spent ; 

O  holy  Judge,  and  just, 
Receive  our  prayer, — 
Poor  sinners  spare  ; 

Remember  we  are  dust. 

Our  life  is  Lent : — 
But  Jesus  went 

This  way ;  in  Him  confide ; — 
'Twill  soon  be  past ; 
Then,  for  thy  fast, 

Eternal  Eastertide! 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


LENTEN  LESSONS. 

Not  of  one  day  or  age  alone, 
In  unfeared  Future  far  away, — 

But  here,  and  now,  the  Great  White  Throne: 
To-day,  to-day,  the  Judgment-Day ! 

On  every  heart,  O  God,  impress 
This  truth, — for  all  souls  given, — 

That  heaven  does  not  make  holiness, 
But  holiness  makes  heaven. 

Thy  rightful  dower  Earth  cannot  give ; 

Far  other,  thou,  than  sun  and  sod ; — 
The  soul  of  man  can  only  live 

By  living  in  the  life  of  God. 

The  creed  of  a  contracted  heart, 
The  code  of  a  self-serving  will, 

Ne'er  matched  thy  nature's  nobler  part, 
Nor  could  thy  being's  end  fulfill. 

Peace  is  not  here ;  in  vain  thy  quest ; — 
Thou  art  not  brother  to  the  clod ; 

The  heart  of  man  can  only  rest 
By  resting  on  the  heart  of  God. 

C    '02] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


REMEMBER  ! 

Remember,  Soul,  the  solemn  word, 

Still  uttered  by  thy  loving  Lord : — 

"  That  which  thou  so  west,  thou  shalt  reap." 

Let  not  thy  nobler  nature  sleep  ; 

The  word  the  Voice  within  thee  saith, 

Reveals  the  law  of  life  and  death. 

That  law,  inexorably  just, 

For  good  or  ill,  binds  soul  and  dust, — 

And  sways,  with  equal  sovereignty, 

The  shoreless  sea  of  Destiny ! 

Choose  well ;  for  baser  choice  endures :  - 

Each  heedless  hour  its  age  ensures, — 

Planting,  in  place  of  memories  blest, 

A  cypress  forest  in  the  breast. 


C  103] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


THE    RECKONING. 

Search  well  thy  ways,  thy  wishes, — 
Thy  deepest  life  lay  bare ; 

Against  to-morrow's  daylight, 
Desire  and  deed  prepare. 

Of  reckless  ease  and  pleasure, 
And  slothful  will,  beware; 

Against  to-morrow's  daylight, 
Thy  stewardship  prepare. 

Ambition,  aim,  and  motive, — 
To  each  give  honest  care; 

Against  to-morrow's  daylight, 
Thy  character  prepare. 

O  Judgment-journeying  brother! 

Thyself  shall  meet  thee  there ; — 
Against  to-morrow's  daylight, 

Thy  destiny  prepare. 

Choose  well ;  thy  choice  is  endless ! 

Be  this  our  earnest  prayer: — 
"  Against  to-morrow's  daylight, 

O  God,  my  soul  prepare." 

[  104] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


THE  FONT,  THE  ALTAR,  AND 
THE  TOMB. 

The  font,  the  altar,  and  the  tomb, — 

And  but  a  step  between ! 
A  pulse,  a  breath,  'twixt  birth  and  death- 

And  ends  life's  sombre  scene- 

The  font,  the  altar,  and  the  tomb ! 

How  swift  through  mirth  and  moan, 
The  silent  shuttles  of  life's  loom, 

Guided  by  hands  unknown ! 

The  font,  the  altar,  and  the  tomb ! 

Poor  heart,  seek  not  in  vain 
To  move  the  unrelenting  gloom, 

For  short  surcease  of  pain. 

The  font,  the  altar,  and  the  tomb ! 

Accept  frail  nature's  dower; — 
To  thee,  to  all,  an  equal  doom, — 

The  inevitable  hour! 

[  105  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

The  font,  the  altar,  and  the  tomb ! 

Faint  not  at  "Dust  to  Dust;"- 
The  love  of  God  leaves  ample  room 

For  deathless  hope  and  trust. 

The  font,  the  altar,  and  the  tomb! 

Christ  crowns  the  soul's  sore  strife  ;- 
The  morning  breaks!  the  victor  wakes 

To  everlasting  life! 


[  106] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


EVENTIDE. 

The  evening  shadows  deepen  fast, 
Enshrouding  sea  and  shore ; 

The  day  so  bright,  so  quickly  past, 
Returneth  nevermore. 

The  night  is  come ;  but  lo !  on  high 
The  steadfast  stars  appear; 

A  holy  calm  is  in  the  sky, 
And  heaven  seems  very  near. 

So  fades,  at  last,  life's  little  day, — 
So  falls  death's  deepening  gloom ; 

We  hasten,  each  a  different  way, 
To  reach  one  goal, — the  tomb ! 

But  God  is  good,  whate'er  may  come 

To  every  heart  is  given 
A  tender  memory  of  home, 

A  trembling  hope  of  heaven. 


[  107] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


THE    LARGER   LIFE. 

My  years  are  very  few,  O  God ! 

More  rapidly  they  pass 
Than  clouds  whose  transient  tale  is  told 

In  shadows  on  the  grass. 

My  years  are  very  few,  O  God ! 

But  they  are  full  of  Thee: — 
A  drop  of  being  in  Thy  life's 

Unfathomable  sea. 

My  years  are  very  few,  O  God ! 

Oh,  let  me  clearly  see 
How  they  grow  strong  and  beautiful 

In  Thy  immensity. 

My  years  are  very  few,  O  God ! 

The  sum  of  them  is  small, — 
But  each  may  serve  Thy  blessed  will, 

And  Thou  shalt  have  them  all. 

My  years  are  very  few,  O  God ! 

On  earth,  but  not  in  heaven ; — 
To  Thee,  eternal  Life  and  Love, 

Be  endless  praises  given. 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


A    PRAYER. 

Deepen,  Lord,  the  light  divine, 
In  this  darkened  heart  of  mine; 
On  my  inmost  spirit  shine, 
Radiance  of  th'  Eternal  Trine! 

Deepen,  Lord,  the  life  divine, 
In  this  barren  heart  of  mine ; — 
As  the  branch  is  to  the  vine, 
Hangs  my  helpless  soul  on  Thine. 

Deepen,  Lord,  the  love  divine, 
In  this  lonely  heart  of  mine; 
Surest  seal  and  sweetest  sign — , 
There  thy  perfect  peace  enshrine. 

Light,  and  life,  and  love,  Thou  art;- 
With  thy  grace,  Thyself  impart ; 
Rest  and  Rapture  of  the  heart, 
Come,  and  nevermore  depart. 


[  I09  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


THE    MESSAGE. 

Sweet  message  of  the  Holy  Dove, 
In  mercy  brought  us  from  above, — 
O  haste,  my  soul,  its  peace  to  prove: — 
"  God,  the  Eternal  God,  is  love!" 

In  Jesus,  full  of  truth  and  grace, — 
Dear  brightness  of  the  Father's  face, 
Each  radiant  letter  we  can  trace: — 
"  God,  the  Eternal  God,  is  love!" 

All  other  word  is  empty,  vain ; 
Naught  else  can  heal  the  heart's  sore  pain, 
And  faith  and  hope  revive  again: — 
"  God,  the  Eternal  God,  is  love!" 

Through  all  life's  dangers, doubts  and  fears,- 
In  all  our  trials,  toils  and  tears, 
This  promise  spans  the  darkest  years: — 
"  God,  the  Eternal  God,  is  love!" 

Blest  tidings,  borne  by  Holy  Dove, 
Of  welcome  waiting  us  above, — 
Through  endless  ages  there  to  prove — 
"  God,  the  Eternal  God,  is  love!" 

[no] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


AS   THOU   WILT. 

Give  what  Thou  wilt, 

And  what  Thou  wilt,  withold 
Only,  O  Lord,  bestow 

Thy  mercy  manifold. 

Give  what  Thou  wilt, 

And  what  Thou  wilt,  recall ; 
Thou  still  art  ours,  O  God, 

And  Thou  art  all  in  all. 

Rich  in  Thy  gifts, 

But  richer  in  Thy  grace, 
What  bliss,  what  glory,  ours, 

When  we  behold  Thy  face ! 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


WE  WOULD   SING  THE  STORY  ! 

We  would  sing  the  story 

Of  Thy  wondrous  love, 
Jesus,  King  of  glory, 

On  Thy  throne  above. 

Once  in  a  rude  manger 

Thou  didst  lowly  lie, — 
Sweetest  little  stranger 

From  the  world  on  high 

Sister  none,  nor  brother, 
There  to  welcome  Thee, — 

Only  Thy  dear  mother 
Watching  tenderly. 

Yet,  unseen,  around  Thee, 
(Oh  how  kind  and  good!) 

Glad  that  they  had  found  Thee, — 
Shining  angels  stood. 

Angels  who  from  heaven 

Brought  the  wondrous  word, 

To  the  whole  world  given, — 
First  by  shepherds  heard. 

[112] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

For,  while  they  were  tending 
Their  lone  flocks  by  night, 

Over  them  were  bending 
Angels  pure  and  bright. 

And  they  heard  them  singing, 
"  Peace,  good  will  to  men!" 

God's  sweet  message  bringing; — 
Near  was  heaven,  then ! 

Happy  shepherds!  speeding 

Unto  Bethlehem, 
Eagerly  all  heeding 

What  was  told  to  them. 

And  they  found  Thee  sleeping 

There  upon  the  hay, — 
And,  with  wonder  weeping, 

They  knelt  down  to  pray. 

And  the  Wise  Men  sought  Thee, 

Guided  by  a  star ! 
Treasures  rare  they  brought  Thee,- 

From  their  home  afar. 

[  "3  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

We  would  seek  Thee,  Saviour, — 
We  would  kneel  and  pray, 

And  in  kind  behaviour 
Serve  Thee  day  by  day. 

And  while  we  are  singing, — 

Like  the  kings  of  old, 
We  would  still  be  bringing 

Frankincense  and  gold. 

Pearls  of  priceless  beauty, 

Every  precious  gem, — 
Faith,  and  love,  and  duty, — 

For  Thy  diadem! 

So  would  we  adore  Thee, 
Now,  and  till  we  die, — 

Then,  with  Thee  in  glory, 
Reign  above  the  sky. 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


CHRISTMAS. 

O  holy,  happy  morning, 

That  saw  the  Saviour's  birth ! 
The  star,  thy  brow  adorning, 

Beams  mercy  on  the  earth ; — 
For  shepherds,  and  for  sages, 

Thy  cheer,  impartial,  free, — 
The  travail  of  the  Ages 

Finds  recompense  in  thee. 


My  soul,  be  thou  believing, — 

No  more  thy  past  deplore; 
In  Christ,  all  loss  retrieving, 

Rejoice  forevermore. 
By  love  unknown  attended, 

Thy  weary  watch  and  ward : — 
Behold  the  vision  splendid  ! 

The  angel  of  the  Lord ! 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

And  hark !  the  herald  angel ! 

The  radiant,  rapturous  throng! 
The  ravishing  evangel 

Floods  all  the  hills  with  song : — 
'  To  God,  in  heaven,  glory; 

Good  will  to  men,  below; — " 
Speed,  speed  the  blessed  story, 

That  all  the  world  may  know. 

Repeat  it  sof  tly,  slowly ; 

For  still,  in  hut  and  hall, 
Are  lonely  hearts  and  lowly, 
That  hunger  for  it  all. 
Again,  again  the  story, — 

Till  sin  and  sorrow  cease : 
"  To  God,  the  Father,  glory, 

And  to  His  children,  peace." 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


"AS    HE    IS." 

God  in  man,  and  man  in  God ! 
Speed  the  glorious  word  abroad ; 
Heart's  best  hope,  and  Heaven's  plan — 
Man  in  God,  and  God  in  man ! 

Into  human  history 
Blooms  the  blessed  mystery ; — 
Dayspring  darkest  night  doth  span : — 
Lo,  the  Christ !   the  Son  of  Man ! 

Brother,  thine  the  call  divine ; 
Thine  the  grace,  the  glory  thine  ; 
Life's  ideal  in  Jesus  see: — 
As  He  is,  so  we  may  be. 

O,  how  high,  how  deep,  how  broad — 
Infinite  the  love  of  God ! 
Heaven  shall  crown  the  wondrous  plan,- 
Man  in  God,  and  God  in  man ! 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


PASSION-TIDE. 

The  Way  of  Sorrows  Thou  hast  trod, 
Dear  suffering  Saviour,  Lamb  of  God ! 
And  now,  O  nameless  agony ! 
They  nail  Thee  to  the  cruel  Tree. 

With  bleeding  brow  and  breaking  heart, 
Thou  bearest,  Lord,  Thy  baleful  part; — 
And  sorer  far  than  we  can  see, 
Thy  Passion's  painful  mystery. 

Yet  here,  triumphant  o'er  our  sins, 
Thy  blessed  reign  on  earth  begins, — 
And  boundless  empire  waits  for  Thee, 
O  thorn-crowned  King  of  Calvary ! 

Before  Thy  Cross  the  world  shall  bow ; 
Victor,  because  the  Victim,  Thou : — 
Thy  dying  love,  O  Christ,  shall  be 
The  bond  that  draws  all  hearts  to  Thee- 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


IN   BROTHERHOOD   WITH   ALL. 

O  Christ,  the  light  of  all  that  live, 
In  heaven  above,  in  earth  beneath, 

To  all  Thou  dost  Thy  blessing  give, 
In  brotherhood  with  all  that  breathe. 

In  brotherhood  with  all  that  breathe ! 

Redeemer,  Saviour,  Thee  we  laud, 
And  thy  dear  cross  with  glory  wreathe, 

O  Son  of  Mary!   Son  of  God! 

Thy  loving  spirit,  Jesus,  give 

To  us  who  serve  Thee  here  beneath, 

That  we,  henceforth,  like  Thee  may  live 
In  brotherhood  with  all  that  breathe. 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


CODE    AND    CREED. 

Christ's  life  our  code, — His  Cross  our  creed, 
Our  common  glad  confession  be; — 

Our  deepest  wants,  our  highest  aims, 
Find  their  fulfillment,  Lord,  in  Thee. 

Dear  Son  of  God !   Thy  blessed  will, 

Our  hearts  would  own  with  saints  above ; 

All  life  is  larger  for  Thy  law, — 
All  service  sweeter  for  Thy  love. 

Thy  life  our  code!  in  letters  clear 
We  read  our  duty,  day  by  day, — 

Thy  footsteps  tracing  eagerly, 

Who  art  the  Truth,  the  Life,  the  Way. 

Thy  Cross  our  creed !     Thy  boundless  love 

A  ransomed  world  at  last  shall  laud, 
And  crown  Thee  their  eternal  King, 
O  Lord  of  Glory !  Lamb  of  God ! 

Till  then,  to  Thee  our  souls  aspire, 
In  ardent  prayer  and  earnest  deed, — 

With  love  like  Thine,  confessing,  still, 

Christ's  life  our  code, — His  Cross  our  creed ! 

[    '*>] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


EASTER-TIDE. 

Easter  bells  are  ringing, 

Easter  anthems  rise, — 
Age  and  Childhood  singing 

Strains  that  seek  the  skies ; 
Seek  their  source,  ascending 

Where,  in  rapture  sweet, 
Song  and  service  blending, 

Saint  and  seraph  meet. 


"  Christ,  the  Lord,  is  risen!" 

Wondering  angels  cry  ; 
"Broken,  Death's  dread  prison !" 

Sons  of  men  reply. 
Blessed  song  and  story ! 

Doubt  and  fear  depart, — 
Resurrection  glory 

Floods  the  faithful  heart. 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

Purest,  purest  pleasure 

In  each  bosom  wells ; 
Happy,  happy  measure — 

How  the  choral  swells! 
By  that  song  supplanted, 

Wrath  and  wrong  shall  cease; 
From  this  hour  undaunted 

Reigns  the  Prince  of  Peace ! 


Easter  lilies,  blowing, 

Breathe  His  praise  abroad, — 
All  their  grace  bestowing 

On  the  Son  of  God. 
Lo!   His  brow  adorning, 

Kings  their  homage  pay ; 
Hark !   the  stars  of  morning 

Hail  His  boundless  sway. 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


EASTER    LILIES. 

In  faith  sincere  we  bear  the  sign 
Of  Thy  dear  cross,  O  Christ  divine ! 
And  in  our  hearts  the  lilies  bloom 
That  blossom  by  Thy  radiant  tomb. 

Thy  dying  love,  Thy  glorious  power 
Triumphant  over  sin  and  death, 

Shall  be  our  song  till  life's  last  hour, 

And  thrill  with  praise  life's  parting  breath. 

Then,  then,  O  bliss  beyond  compare ! 

Thy  face,  Thy  glory,  we  shall  see, 
And  in  the  home  immortal  share 

Eternal  life  and  love  with  Thee. 

In  faith  sincere  we  bear  the  sign 
Of  Thy  dear  cross,  O  Christ  divine ! 
And  in  our  hearts  the  lilies  bloom 
That  blossom  by  Thy  radiant  tomb. 


C  123  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


EASTER-TIDE    ADORATION. 

O  Lamb  of  God,  for  sinners  slain, 

To  loving  hearts  restored  again ! 

Our  Light,  our  Life,  Redeemer,  Lord, — 

Forever  be  Thy  name  adored. 

Victorious  over  death  and  hell, — 
Incarnate  Word,  Immanuel! 
Thou  comest,  Saviour,  to  Thine  own : 
Thy  cross  is  now  Thy  glorious  throne! 

The  Earth  her  richest  gains  shall  bring. 
To  crown  Thee  Conqueror  and  King ; 
And  the  abundance  of  the  sea 
Shall  be  converted  unto  Thee. 

Kings  at  Thy  feet  their  scepters  lay ; 
The  Ages  own  Thy  widening  sway ; 
Thy  rule  shall  over  all  extend, 
And  Thy  dominion  never  end ! 


[    124] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


THE    KING. 

With  all  Thy  saints,  below,  above, 
Thy  triumph  over  death  we  sing, 

And  crown  Thy  cross  with  wreaths  of  love, 
O  Christ,  our  Saviour,  and  our  King! 

Rejoicing  in  Thy  widening  sway, 

We  hail  Thy  coming,  gracious  Lord ; 

The  dawn  predicts  the  perfect  day, — 
The  world  redeemed,  renewed,  restored ! 

Her  richest  gains  Earth  brings  to  Thee : — 
The  East,  her  reverence  and  awe, — 

The  West,  her  boundless  energy, 
Her  learning,  liberty,  and  law. 

Where'er  stars  shine  or  dews  shall  fall, 
Thine  is  the  power,  the  kingdom  Thine  ; 

Thou  by  Thy  cross  hast  conquered  all, 
O  Jesus,  Saviour,  Love  divine! 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


AN    EASTER-TIDE    LYRIC. 

Thine  was  the  cross,  O  Christ, — 
The  brow  thorn-crown 'd  and  gory ; 

Thine,  blessed  Saviour,  now, 
The  kingdom,  power,  and  glory! 

The  ages  own  Thy  sway ; — 

All  kings  shall  bow  before  Thee, 

And  to  Thy  service  bring 

Their  honor,  power  and  glory, 

All  that  Thy  grace  bestowed, 

The  world  shall  yet  restore  Thee, — 

Enshrining  in  its  heart 

The  bitter  cross  that  bore  Thee. 

With  saints  and  seraphim, 

Let  us,  O  Lord,  adore  Thee, — 

Ascribing  to  Thy  name 

The  kingdom,  power,  and  glory! 

And  in  the  hour  of  death, 

Receive  us,  we  implore  Thee, 

To  share,  forevermore, 

Thy  kingdom,  power,  and  glory! 

[  '26] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


AN    EASTER    IDYL. 

Between  two  twilights  folded  in, — 
Kiss'd  by  the  day's  sweet  breath, 

Frail  as  the  flowers  of  fairest  bloom, 
We  pass  from  birth  to  death. 

Between  two  twilights, — dawn  and  dusk,- 
Two  twilights, — dusk  and  dawn ! 

We  shall  not  know  that  we  have  slept, — 
So  soon  the  night  has  gone. 

For  dearer  far,  to  God,  are  we, 
Than  fairest  flowers  of  earth ; — 

Breaks  on  the  soul  eternal  day,— 
Death  is  another  birth! 


C  127] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


ASCENSION-TIDE. 

Lamb  of  the  riven  side, — 

Lord  of  lords,  glorified ! 
Victim  and  Victor,  Thee  we  adore; 

Shepherd  of  Israel, 

Saviour  from  death  and  hell, 
Mighty  Immanuel!    reign  evermore. 

Lion  of  Judah, 

From  Brahm  and  from  Buddha 
Seize  for  Thy  glory  the  sea  and  the  land  ; 

Where  age-long  error  thralls, 

Where  blackest  night  appalls, 
There,  with  her  radiant  walls,  let  Zion  stand. 

The  gates  of  the  morning, 
Thy  temple  adorning, 
Shall  beacon  the  uttermost  isles  of  the  sea ; 
And  nations,  now  unknown, 
Shall  bow  before  Thy  throne, 
And    Thee    their    Sovereign    own,    with    saintly 
jubilee. 

C  "81 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 

Orient,  and  Occident, 

Hail  Him  the  Father  sent ! 
Greet  Him  with  shoutings,  and  joyfully  sing; 

On  love's  blest  mission  bent, 

Through  Death's  wide  realm  He  went 
Conq'ror  omnipotent; — crown  Him  your  King! 

Martyr  with  gory  brow, 

Monarch  in  glory,  now, — 
Victim  and  Victor,  Thee  we  adore  ; 

Shepherd  of  Israel, 

Saviour  from  death  and  hell, 
Mighty  Immanuel !  reign  evermore. 


[  129  ] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


HOMEWARD. 

O  Jesus,  sole,  sufficient  source 

Of  hope  that  heals  the  sad  heart's  strife, 
Direct  us  on  our  darkened  course, — 

Thyself  the  Way,  the  Truth,  the  Life. 

Thou  k  newest  the  way  we  take,  O  Lord ! 

Didst  Thou  not  prove  its  painful  length? 
Help  of  the  helpless,  still  afford 

Thy  pitying  love,  Thy  tender  strength. 

In  every  trial,  every  care, 

Thy  patient  footsteps  may  we  see ; — 
The  sorrows  of  Thy  cross  to  share 

Shall  then  our  joy  and  glory  be. 

Secure  in  Thy  unchanging  love, 

No  toil,  no  suffering  will  we  flee, — 

Assured  that  death  itself  shall  prove 

The  path  that  leads  to  heaven  and  Thee. 


[  130] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


CHRISTUS    CONSOLATOR. 

In  the  day  of  tribulation, 
In  the  hour  of  sore  temptation, 
With  the  strength  of  Thy  salvation, 
Jesus,  Saviour,  comfort  me ! 

When  no  more  the  heart  may  borrow 
Hope  and  courage  from  the  morrow,- 
In  the  darkest  depths  of  sorrow, 
Jesus,  Saviour,  comfort  me! 

When  all  aid  is  unavailing, 
Flesh  and  heart  together  failing, 
Sin  and  death  the  soul  assailing, — 
Jesus,  Saviour,  comfort  me ! 

On  Thy  word  alone  relying, — 
Never  Thy  dear  name  denying, — 
Oh,  forsake  me  not  when  dying ! 
Jesus,  Saviour,  comfort  me ! 

Crowned,  at  last,  in  light  supernal, 
Victor  over  foes  infernal, — 
With  Thy  love,  supreme,  eternal, 
Jesus,  Saviour,  comfort  me ! 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


COMPENSATION. 

The  mystery  of  sorrow, 

The  mystery  of  pain, 
Shall  sure,  some  happy  morrow, 

To  every  heart  be  plain. 

Till  then,  O  loving  Master, 
Thy  footsteps  may  we  see, 
And  only  press  the  faster 

Through  darkest  days  to  Thee. 

Choose  Thou  each  care,  each  trial, 
As  serves  Thy  will  divine, 

And  be  our  self-denial, 
And  sacrifice,  like  Thine. 

Strung  on  the  string  of  duty, 
Life's  toils  and  tears  shall  be 

Like  pearls  of  priceless  beauty, — 
The  soul's  fair  rosary! 

And  dearer  yet,  and  dearer, 
Thy  cross,  O  Christ,  shall  be, 

As  nearer  yet,  and  nearer, 

We  draw  to  heaven  and  Thee ! 

[  132] 


NIAGARA,    AND    OTHER    POEMS. 


FROM    MORNING    TO    MORNING  ! 

Lovingly  the  morning  glows 

On  the  lily  and  the  rose  ; 

So  the  heart  of  God  o'erflows ! 

Quietly  the  sky  looks  down 
On  the  turmoil  of  the  town, — 
Face  divine,  without  a  frown. 

Peacefully,  when  toil  is  o'er, 
Twilight  comes  to  sea  and  shore, — 
Pledge  of  rest  for  evermore. 

Tenderly  the  moonbeams  fall 
On  the  hovel  and  the  hall; — 
So  God's  pity  shelters  all. 

Soft  the  light  on  lea  and  lawn, 
Till  the  faithful  stars  are  gone, — 
Then — the  rapture  of  the  dawn ! 


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